Press Release

Role of the Home Secretary in relation to the US-UK Extradition Treaty

The Home Affairs Committee is today announcing the scope of its investigation into the role of the Home Secretary in relation to the Extradition treaty between the UK and the United States of America. The inquiry will focus in particular on the following issues:

 The extent of the discretion allowed to the Home Secretary; and

 The factors taken into account by the Home Secretary in deciding whether it is appropriate to accede to an extradition request.

Keith Vaz MP, Chairman of the Committee said:

"The Extradition Treaty has long been contentious due to the principal of reciprocity. A debate in the House earlier this year highlighted the concerns surrounding this Treaty."

"The case of Gary McKinnon highlights the difficulties in the current extradition relationship between the UK and the US. It is the aim of the Committee to establish the Home Secretary's role in the decision making of cases which stem from the Extradition Treaty. The Committee is looking forward to hearing from the Home Secretary about the current position of the Treaty and the case of Gary McKinnon."